Lameness Flashcards

1
Q

Lameness scale range

A

0-5

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2
Q

Lameness of 0

A

lameness is not perceptible under any circumstances

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3
Q

Lameness of 1

A

lameness is difficult to observe and is not consistently apparent, regardless of circumstances (under saddle, circling, inclines, hard surfaces)

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4
Q

Lameness of 2

A

lameness is difficult to observe at a walk or when trotting in a straight line but consistently apparent under certain circumstances (weight-carrying, circling, inclines, hard surface, etc.)

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5
Q

Lameness of 3

A

lameness is consistently observable at a trot under all circumstances

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6
Q

Lameness of 4

A

lameness is obvious at a walk

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7
Q

Lameness of 5

A

lameness produces minimal weight bearing in motion and/or at rest or a complete inability to move

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8
Q

How should a vet evaluate lameness?

A

-on different surfaces (hard and soft)
-under saddle
-at the walk and trot

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9
Q

What two gaits are lameness best evaluated?

A

walk and trot
-they are both symmetrical
-simplest gates

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10
Q

What are the main legs palpated for lameness?

A

back, neck, and forelegs

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11
Q

When the lame foreleg hits the ground, the head will…

A

bob up

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12
Q

When the sound foreleg hits the ground, the head will…

A

lower

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13
Q

How do vets use the lameness scale?

A

-as a recording system (known to any other vet looking at it)
-in lameness exams
-to assess treatment response (ex: going from a grade 5 to a 2 after treatment)

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14
Q

In most normal horses with good movement, the head and neck should be…

A

still

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15
Q

Why is it important that the handler trots the horse at a comfortable speed?

A

-if it is too slow, the gait can be falsely irregular
-if it is too fast, the lameness could be masked

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16
Q

Why is it important that the handler does not hold the lead too tightly?

A

too tight of a hold may create or mask abnormal movement because the head and neck won’t move naturally

17
Q

On a circle, what characteristics of hind limb movement might you look for?

A

-hind limb toe drag
-restricted hind limb impulsion
-breaking gait
-switching legs behind

18
Q

When the horse is lunged on a harder gravel surface and over pavement, he is not relaxed. How does his lack of relaxation effect his gait?

A

he shortens his stride and rushes because he is not relaxed
-his gait becomes irregular and unbalanced

19
Q

What are the advantages of having the horse under saddle as opposed to being examined in the lead or lunge line?

A

-added weight may accentuate the lameness
-hindlimb lameness is often only seen when ridden
-it can also help evaluate if the rider is the only one creating the irregularity in gait
-hindlimb lameness are more obvious when the ride sits as that hind leg comes under

20
Q

What characteristics does a vet look at in lateral movements?

A

-gait irregularities
-maintaining a regular rhythm
-evenness of strides
-looseness through the back
-hindquarters are smooth and supple
-placement/engagement of hind limbs

21
Q

What characteristics do vets look for in the extended trot?

A

-suppleness of back
-animation of stride
-large, smooth regular steps
-more suspension